On several occasions it can happen to accidentally stain your clothes with blood; unfortunately, however, removing it from fabrics is not easy at all. First of all, it is necessary to intervene in a delicate way to avoid damaging the garment. Very hot water and chemical detergents should be avoided if it is a delicate garment. The best thing to do is to act as soon as possible to remove the stain using commonly used products, such as salt, soap, hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Read on to learn how to get your clothes clean again.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Soap and Water
Step 1. Wet the stained fabric with cold water
If it is a small stain, it is best to dab it with a damp cloth to avoid spreading it unnecessarily. On the other hand, if the stain is very large, you can put the garment directly under the jet of cold running water from the sink or immerse it in a basin full of water to do it faster.
- Do not use warm or hot water, otherwise the blood will set further on the fabric.
- If the stain does spread, you will also need to treat the halo in the same way as the original stain.
Step 2. Apply the soap to the blood stain
You can use ordinary hand soap, solid or liquid. In both cases, rub it gently on the fabric with a sponge so that the foam forms, then rinse the stained fabric with clean cold water. Reapply the soap again and repeat the steps if necessary.
Step 3. Wash the garment as you normally do
If the stain is gone, you can wash the garment as usual, using the same detergent as ever. On this occasion, however, it is better to wash it alone and only with cold water, even if you use the washing machine.
Step 4. Once clean, let it air dry
The heat from the dryer may prevent the stain from completely fading, so don't use it this time. Hang the garment on the clothesline and let it dry on its own. Once dry, you can wear it again or store it in the closet. Repeat the process or try using another method if you notice the stain has not completely disappeared.
Do not use the iron if there are traces of blood still visible
Method 2 of 4: Using Salt
Step 1. Rinse the stained fabric with cold water
Try to remove some of the blood using cold water. You can put the garment directly under the sink jet or you can blot the stain with a sponge or a wet cloth, especially if it is small, to avoid spilling it.
Step 2. Make a cleansing paste with water and salt
Mix one part of cold water and two parts of salt to create a very effective home stain remover. The exact quantities depend on the size of the stain. Remember that you will need to get a paste with a paste that can be spread, so be careful not to add more water than you should.
Step 3. Apply the cleaning paste to the stain
You can use your fingers, a sponge or a clean cloth. Gently rub the stain remover into the bloodstained fabric. After a short time you should start to see the stain lighten.
Step 4. Rinse the garment again with cold water
When most of the blood is gone, put the garment under the water again. Continue rinsing until you are sure you have removed all the salt. If you notice that the stain is still quite visible, reapply your DIY cleaning paste again.
Step 5. Wash the garment as you normally do
Use the same detergent as always, but this time avoid warm or hot water. Once clean, hang it up to air dry.
Method 3 of 4: Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Test the effect of hydrogen peroxide on a small area of fabric
Some types of fabric can become discolored, so it's important to test by pouring hydrogen peroxide on a small, hidden spot in the garment before proceeding further. Use a cotton swab or be careful to only drop a couple of drops, and switch to another method if the fabric becomes discolored.
Step 2. Dilute hydrogen peroxide if it is a delicate garment
Use it in a ratio of 1: 1 with water. Prepare the cleaning solution in a basin, then test it on a small, hidden area of the garment to see if it is gentle enough.
Step 3. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the bloodstain
Be careful to target it precisely to preserve surrounding tissue. In a short time, a slight foam will form, a sign that it is starting to act. Rub the hydrogen peroxide with your fingers to push it deep between the fibers and saturate the stained fabric.
Step 4. Repeat the process if necessary
An application of hydrogen peroxide may not be enough, especially if it is a large stain. Apply more if you didn't get a satisfactory result on the first try. Rinse the fabric with water between applications.
Step 5. Rinse the garment with cold water
When the stain is gone, rinse the garment with cold water. You can decide whether to wash it further in the washing machine or let it dry as it is: in both cases, on this occasion you should avoid using the dryer.
Method 4 of 4: Using Ammonia
Step 1. Dilute one tablespoon of ammonia in 120ml of water
Ammonia is a chemical cleaner, so it should only be used as a last resort to remove stubborn stains. It is also advisable not to use it on delicate fabrics, such as silk, linen or wool.
Step 2. Let the ammonia sit on the stain for a few minutes
After diluting it with water, pour it onto the bloodstained fabric, being very careful not to wet or splash the surrounding fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes.
If you get a little ammonia on a spot where the fabric is clean, rinse it off immediately and start over
Step 3. Rinse the garment with cold water
After a few minutes, the stain should be gone. At that point, you can rinse the portion of fabric with cold water. If you find that the blood is still partially visible, repeat the process.
Step 4. Wash the garment as usual
You can put it in the washing machine or wash it by hand, following the method you normally use; the important thing is to use only cold water. If the stain is not completely gone, you can wash it with an enzymatic cleaner, which is more powerful than regular laundry detergents.
Step 5. Dry the garment
The heat sets the stains on the fabrics, so don't use the dryer this time. Rather hang it on the clothesline and let it air dry. When it's dry, store it in the closet with your other clean clothes. If you notice that the stain is still visible, repeat the process or try using another method.
Advice
- Many state-of-the-art washing powders contain powerful enzymes that can dissolve even blood stains.
- If the stain is old, sprinkle it with toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the garment with cold water.
- The enzymes present in saliva are able to chemically break down the blood. Wet the stain with saliva, let it work, and then rinse the fabric.
Warnings
- Remember that blood will still be visible under a black light if particular chemicals are applied.
- Hot water should be avoided at all costs, as heat has the ability to fix stains on fabrics, sometimes permanently.
- Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves before touching a bloodstained garment. It is good to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infections.
- Do not use an enzyme cleaner on delicate fabrics, such as wool or silk, as it may damage the fibers.
